scholarly journals Autophagy in Astrocytes: Importance for Metabolism

Author(s):  
Ana Ortiz-Rodriguez ◽  
Maria-Angeles Arevalo

Autophagy is an essential mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. Besides its role in controlling the quality of cytoplasmic components, it participates in nutrient obtaining and lipid mobilization under stressful conditions. Furthermore, autophagy is involved in the regulation of systemic metabolic, a function mainly performed by neuronal populations of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Several studies have shown that blockade of autophagy in these neurons can affect central regulation of metabolism and impact body energy balance. Moreover, hypothalamic autophagy can be altered during obesity. However, neurons are not the only cell type involved in the central regulation of metabolism. Astrocytes, essential cells for brain homeostasis, are key metabolic regulators. They can sense metabolic signals in the hypothalamus and modulate systemic functions as glucose homeostasis and feeding response. Moreover, the response of astrocytes to obesity has been widely studied. Astrocytes are important mediators of brain inflammation and can be affected by increased levels of saturated fatty acids associated to obesity. Although autophagy plays important roles for astrocyte homeostasis and functioning, the contribution of astrocyte autophagy to systemic metabolism has not been analysed. Furthermore, how obesity can impact astrocyte autophagy is poorly understood. More studies are needed in other to understand the contribution of astrocyte autophagy to metabolism.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2479
Author(s):  
Ana Ortiz-Rodriguez ◽  
Maria-Angeles Arevalo

Autophagy is an essential mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. Besides its role in controlling the quality of cytoplasmic components, it participates in nutrient obtaining and lipid mobilization under stressful conditions. Furthermore, autophagy is involved in the regulation of systemic metabolism as its blockade in hypothalamic neurons can affect the central regulation of metabolism and impact body energy balance. Moreover, hypothalamic autophagy can be altered during obesity, one of the main alterations of metabolism nowadays. In this review, we focus on the role of astrocytes, essential cells for brain homeostasis, which represent key metabolic regulators. Astrocytes can sense metabolic signals in the hypothalamus and modulate systemic functions as glucose homeostasis and feeding response. Moreover, the response of astrocytes to obesity has been widely studied. Astrocytes are important mediators of brain inflammation and can be affected by increased levels of saturated fatty acids associated with obesity. Although autophagy plays important roles for astrocyte homeostasis and functioning, the contribution of astrocyte autophagy to systemic metabolism has not been analyzed yet. Furthermore, how obesity can impact astrocyte autophagy is poorly understood. More studies are needed in order to understand the contribution of astrocyte autophagy to metabolism.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 607
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Scarpa ◽  
Simona Tarricone ◽  
Marco Ragni

There is a growing demand by the modern consumer for meat containing less fat and lower levels of saturated fatty acids, which are considered to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. In southern Italy, the Gentile di Puglia breed is one of the most common on farms, and the light lambs are often consumed. The study evaluates the effect of a diet containing extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum) on growth performances, carcass traits, and meat quality in Gentile di Puglia light lambs. Thirty-six male lambs are weaned at about 20 days of age, and divided into three groups—each group is either fed a control diet (C), a diet containing 3% extruded linseed (L), or a diet containing 3% extruded linseed and 0.6% oregano (Origanum vulgare) (L + O). The lambs’ growth performances and the slaughtering and dissection data did not differ between groups. Dietary treatments have no significant effect on the quality and chemical composition of Longissimus lumborum (Ll). The mount of linoleic acid in Ll meat is significantly higher in the L group, and this positively affected the total content of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid, as well as the n-6/n-3 ratio. The good results obtained concerning the sensory traits meet the requirements of the market’s consumer.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Natalia Śmietana ◽  
Remigiusz Panicz ◽  
Małgorzata Sobczak ◽  
Przemysław Śmietana ◽  
Arkadiusz Nędzarek

The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May–September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atteqa Jawad ◽  
Richa Kaushal ◽  
Muhammad Sohail ◽  
Amna Yaqoob

Histamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for central regulation of inflammatory reactions. Initial studies were done by Sir Henry Dale in 1993. Histamine acts on its four type of receptors. H1 and H2 are well-established with pharmacological status. H1 receptors are mainly linked with inflammatory responses and developed to mitigate the inflammatory symptoms. While H2 antagonists are established with their role in decreasing basal gastric secretions by decreasing the cyclic adenylyl mono phosphate (cAMP), thus used as therapy line for gastric ulcers. H3 being located centrally imparts its central effects in cognitive functions that are pain, sleep, and memory modulation of neurotransmitters release including, dopamine, acetylcholine, noradrenalin and serotonin. H4 is discovered recently during cloning of H3 and found on immune related cells as, mast cells, T cells and dendrites. Experimental studies are helping in development of more pharmacologically worth drugs that can increase the quality of life.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Montenegro R. ◽  
Stanislav Magnitskiy ◽  
Martha C. Henao T.

This study was conducted to assess fruit and seed yield, oil content and oil composition of Jatropha curcas fertilized with different doses of nitrogen and potassium in Espinal (Tolima, Colombia). The yields ranged from 4,570 to 8,800 kg ha-1 of fruits and from 2,430 to 4,746 kg ha-1 of seeds. These yields showed that the fertilizer dose of 150 kg ha-1 N + 120 kg ha-1K increased fruit production by 92% and seed production by 95%, which represents an increase of about 100% in oil production, which increased from 947 to 1,900 kg ha-1. The total oil content in the seeds ranged from 38.7 to 40.1% (w/w) with a high content of the unsaturated fatty acids oleic (> 47%) and linoleic acid (> 29%). The highest content of oleic acid in the seed oil was from the unfertilized control plants and plants with an application of 100 kg ha-1 of N and 60 kg ha-1 of K, with an average of 48%. The lowest content of oleic acid was registered when a low dose of nitrogen and a high level of potassium were applied at a ratio of 1:2.4 and doses of 50 kg ha-1 N + 120 kg ha-1 K, respectively. Low contents of the saturated fatty acids palmitic (13.4%) and stearic (7.26%) were obtained, making this oil suitable for biodiesel production. The nitrogen was a more important nutrient for the production and quality of oil in J. curcas than potassium under the studied conditions of soil and climate.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-374
Author(s):  
Roxana Nicoleta Ratu ◽  
Marius Giorgi Usturoi ◽  
Daniel Simeanu ◽  
Cristina Simeanu ◽  
Alexandru Usturoi ◽  
...  

n the current paper, we aimed to analyze the way in which packing (different polyethylene types) influence the quality of pasteurized melange during storage, packing being realized in units of 1 kg (Tetra Pak) (batch Lexp-1) and units of 5 kg (Bag in box) (batch Lexp-2). Products were stored during a period of 28 days at a temperature of +4�C, qualitative determinations being realized in first day (day 0), at 7 days, at 14 days, 21 days and in day 28 of storage. Were effectuated a sensorial examination and chemical analysis were was established the content in dry matter (%), water (%), proteins (%), content in essential amino acids (isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan, phenylalanine) and non-essential amino acids (alanine, histidine, glycine, serine) (mg/100g) as well as the content in lipids (%) establishing their profile by identification of some saturated fatty acids (16:0 mg/100g and 18:0 mg/100g) and unsaturated fatty acids (16:1 mg/100g and 18:1 mg/100g). After sensorial examinations, the first modifications were observed at the checking effectuated in day 21 for batch Lexp-2, the obtained score being of 18 points, and at checking effectuated in day 28 was given a score of 18 points for melange belonging to batch Lexp-1 and only 14 points for melange from batch Lexp-2. Differences were recorded also in case of chemical composition of products, so for protein content at batch Lexp-1 in first checking day was obtained a mean of 12.730�0.24% and at batch Lexp-2 12.614�0.22%. Differences between those two batches were insignificant (p[0.05). In case of fat content, at the end of storage period was obtained a mean of 11.256�0.06% for batch Lexp-1 and 11.244�0.11% for batch Lexp-2, differences being insignificant (p [ 0.05). Regarding the profile of amino acids and fatty acids, the mean values obtained during whole storage period oscillated from one stage to another, but the differences between those two batches were insignificant (p [ 0.05). Pasteurized egg melange suffers certain sensorial modifications during storage, especially on consistency and colouring, modifications which are accentuated mainly by storage conditions. Type of polyethylene utilized for this product hadn�t influenced the nutritive qualities of product.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanyan Xing ◽  
Junyu Chen ◽  
Henry Hilley ◽  
Haley Steele ◽  
Jingjing Yang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTItch, initiated by the activation of sensory neurons, is frequently associated with dermatological or systemic diseases and significantly affects patient quality of life. MrgprA3+ sensory neurons have been identified as one of the major itch-sensing neuronal populations. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that peripheral pathological conditions induce physiological regulations of sensory neurons, which is critical for the maintenance of chronic itch sensation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here we performed RNA sequencing of genetically labeled MrgprA3+ neurons under both naïve and allergic contact dermatitis condition. Our results revealed the unique molecular signature of itch-sensing neurons and the distinct transcriptional profile changes that result in response to dermatitis. We found enrichment of nine Mrgpr family members and two histamine receptors in MrgprA3+ neurons, suggesting that MrgprA3+ neurons are the main, direct neuronal target for histamine and Mrgprs agonists. In addition, Ptpn6 and Pcdh12 were identified as novel and highly selective markers of MrgprA3+ neurons. We also discovered that MrgprA3+ neurons respond to skin dermatitis in a way that is unique from other sensory neurons by regulating a combination of transcriptional factors, ion channels, and key molecules involved in synaptic transmission. These results significantly increase our knowledge of itch transmission and uncover potentially novel targets for combating itch.


Author(s):  
Hernán Antonio Alzate Díaz ◽  
Adriana Patricia Muñoz Ramírez ◽  
Maurício Gustavo Coelho Emerenciano ◽  
Sandra Clemencia Pardo Carrasco

Abstract: The objective of this work was to assess the organoleptic and nutritional quality of fillets of cultured pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), fed diets with either partial or total substitution of fishmeal, and to determine the nutritional quality of the biofloc meal. Fish were cultured in 500-L tanks with 84 fish m-3, treated with biofloc technology (BFT), and fed three isoproteic diets (24% crude protein, CP) formulated with the following protein sources: soybean meal (SM); soybean meal + fishmeal (SM+FM); and soybean meal + spirulina (SM+SP). After 84 days of culture, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory analyses were carried out on fillets with skin and without scales. There were not significant differences for dry matter, CP, moisture, and fat content between treatments. The fatty acid profile showed 21.3±1.03% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs = ω-3 + ω-6), 37.11±1.29% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and 41.58±1.34% saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The protein sources soybean meal and spirulina do not affect the fillet quality of pirapitinga nor the nutritional quality of biofloc meal.


Author(s):  
Е.Е. ИВАНОВА ◽  
Е.А. ДУБИНЕЦ ◽  
А.Л. БОЧАРОВА-ЛЕСКИНА

Для стабилизации показателя биологической эффективности исследована возможность повышения количества полиненасыщенных жирных кислот (ПНЖК) за счет снижения количества насыщенных жирных кислот (НЖК) в жирнокислотном составе жира из печени черноморской акулы-катрана в летний период вылова (с мая по октябрь). С целью повышения содержания омега-3 ПНЖК в продукте применен способ винтеризации. Кристаллизацию жира из печени акулы-катрана проводили в специальном охладителе при температуре от 0 до –5°С. Во время охлаждения жир медленно перемешивали (скорость вращения мешалки 20–25 об/мин) для равномерного охлаждения по всему объему. Полная кристаллизация НЖК при этих условиях проходила за 5–6 ч. Охлажденный жир немедленно направляли на осадительную центрифугу. В качестве параметров оптимизации процесса были выбраны: качество жира – прозрачность при температуре 15°С и степень ненасыщенности – йодное число жира. Установлено, что факторами, существенно влияющими на йодное число и органолептические показатели жира, являются: температура охлажденного жира, продолжительность центрифугирования, число оборотов барабана центрифуги. Для моделирования значений йодного числа и органолептического показателя в области изменения указанных факторов применена схема полного факторного двухуровневого эксперимента, в результате которого определены натуральные значения факторов, отвечающие наилучшему значению показателя качества жира: температура охлаждения жира –4°С, продолжительность центрифугирования 30 мин, частота вращения барабана центрифуги 6000 об/мин. Общая ненасыщенность жидкой фракции возросла с 122,2–138,0 до 131,0–145,0% йодного числа жира. Полученный очищенный жир был прозрачен, имел светло-желтый цвет, низкие значения кислотного и перекисного чисел. Содержание ПНЖК в полученном продукте увеличилось на 10–30%. Содержание неомыляемых веществ в нем, в том числе биологически активных веществ алкилглицеролов, при этом не снизилось. Биологическая эффективность жира увеличилась с 0,6 до 0,9. To stabilize the increased biological effectiveness the possibility of increasing the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by reducing the amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the fatty acid composition of fat from the liver of the black sea shark-katran in the summer fishing period (May – October) is investigated. With the aim of increasing the content of omega-3 PUFA in the product method of winterization was applied. Crystallization of fat from the liver of sharks-katran dogfish was conducted in a special chiller with temperature from 0 to –5°C. During cooling, the fat is slowly stirred (speed of rotation of the mixer 20–25 rpm) for uniform cooling throughout. Full crystallization of SFA under these conditions was held for 5–6 h. The cooled fat was immediately sent to precipitating in the centrifuge. Quality of fat – transparency at a temperature of 15°C and unsaturation – iodine number of fat was selected as the optimization parameters of the process. It is established that: the temperature of the refrigerated fat, the duration of centrifugation, the number of drum rotations of the centrifuge are factors that significantly affect the iodine number and the organoleptic indicators of fat. Scheme two-level full factorial experiment was applied for modeling the values of iodine number and organoleptic indicator in changing these factors. Natural values of factors corresponding to the best value of indicator of the quality of the fat: temperature of cooling fat –4°C, duration of centrifugation 30 min, and the speed of rotation of the drum centrifuge 6000 rpm were determined in the experiment. The result of this treatment, the total unsaturation of the liquid fraction increased from 122,2–138,0 up to 131,0–145,0% of iodine number. The purified obtained fat was transparent, had a light yellow color, low acid value and peroxide values. In the obtained product the content of PUFA increased by 10–30%. The content of unsaponifiables in it, including biologically active substances alkylglycerols, was not decreased. The biological effectiveness of fat increased from 0,6 to 0,9.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zo J Rambeloson ◽  
Nicole Darmon ◽  
Elaine L Ferguson

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the nutritional quality of food aid delivered by food banks in France and to identify practical modifications to improve it.DesignNational-level data were collected for all food aid distributed by French food banks in 2004, and its nutrient content per 2000 kcal was estimated and compared with French recommendations for adults. Starting with the actual donation and allowing new foods into the food aid donation, linear programming was used to identify the minimum changes required in the actual donation to achieve the French recommendations.ResultsFrench food-bank-delivered food aid does not achieve the French recommendations for dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid and the percentage of energy from saturated fatty acids. Linear programming analysis showed that these recommendations are achievable if more fruits, vegetables, legumes and fish were collected and less cheese, refined cereals and foods rich in fat, sugar and/or salt. In addition, new foods not previously collected are needed, particularly nuts, wholemeal bread and rapeseed oil. These changes increased the total edible weight (42%) and economic value (55%) of the food aid donation, with one-third of its edible weight coming from fruits and vegetables, one-third from staples, one-quarter from dairy products and approximately a tenth from meat/fish/eggs.ConclusionsImportant changes in the types and amounts of food collected will improve the nutritional quality of food-bank-delivered food aid in France. Such changes are recommended to improve the diets of deprived French populations.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document